Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Enabling Cyanation of Electron‐poor Carbons with Acetone Cyanohydrin

Abstract

The Pt‐cathode hydrogen evolution reaction (Pt‐HER) of acetone cyanohydrin provides an alternative method for introducing the cyano group onto electrophilic carbons of imines and chalcones. The synthesis of α‐aminonitriles and β‐cyano ketones has been achieved smoothly with a small excess of cyanating agent (2 equivalent), catalytic amount of supporting electrolyte and low electricity consumption (0.02 F/mol). Besides demonstrating a general atom economy, the high Faradaic efficiency, allows for a scale‐up with low‐demanding electrochemical design and short electrolysis times.